Group to help parents with allergy children

A mum who wrestles daily with the challenges of feeding her children without risking them dying has set up a parents’ support group.

Elizabeth Baker, of Somerton, has three children, two of whom have severe allergies to foods ranging from cows’ milk to nuts,eggs and kiwi fruit.

“Having a child with a food allergy is a challenging experience,” said Elizabeth.

“You are dealing with the emotional side of your child being made sick by food which should nourish them, but also changing the way you shop, cook and prepare meals.

“Events like children’s parties can be extremely stressful. It’s difficult for parents of children without allergies to understand something like chocolate could kill your child if they have anaphylaxis to cows’ milk.” Elizabeth’s sons, Hugh, eight, and Harry, six, were diagnosed with food allergies as infants. Harry suffers from an extreme and severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, to cows’ milk and nuts. He’s also allergic to eggs, kiwi fruit, peas, beans, chickpeas and legumes. Hugh had similar allergies but he has grown out of all except kiwi fruit.

“It was very difficult to wean Hugh because I had no experience of dealing with allergies,” she said.

The next group meeting takes place from 10.30am-12.30pm on Saturday, June 27 at Yarnton Village Hall.